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Heist Trailer: On the Run From Robert De Niro

If there is one role that Robert De Niro knows well, it is that of the ruthless mob boss and criminal kingpin. In films like Martin Scorsese's Casino and Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather: Part II, the American actor defined what it means to exude menace and subtle intimidation on the silver screen for multiple generations of avid movie goers.

While De Niro has since taken on more comedic and sympathetic roles in contemporary films like Meet the Parents and Silver Linings Playbook, it will always be for roles like Vito Corleone and Sam "Ace" Rothstein for which he will be primarily associated. And it is that iconic type that is being played upon once again in the trailer for Heist, the upcoming action movie from director Scott Mann.

In the first feature trailer for the new film (see above), De Niro stars as an intimidating gangster named Pope who becomes the target of an elaborate robbery enacted by Vaughn (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Cox (Dave Bautista). Based on initial appearances, much of the film's drama and action will center around a high-speed chase wherein the two thieves attempt to outrun Pope's right-hand man Dog (Morris Chestnut) and police officer Bajos (Gina Carano) in a stolen city bus with hostages onboard, including one Sydney (Kate Bosworth).

The footage released so far appears multi-faceted and varied in terms of cinematic references and direct inspiration, though the 1990s Keanu Reeves film Speed and Steven Soderbergh's Oceans films come to mind in terms of the films narrative set pieces and aesthetic. De Niro looks self-assured as the dramatic heavy, and co-stars Morgan, Bautista, Chestnut, and Carano look to be comfortable enough with their supporting roles in supplying much of the film's over-the-top, action movie moments.

The trailer here does its level best to play up the film's cast of recognizeable stars, while weaving in a variety of potentially disparate tonal elements that sees Heist go from a seemingly lighthearted caper to a gun-filled chase film featuring Michael Bay-levels of vehicular destruction. That's a pretty broad spectrum for any film to try and work in, but Mann's latest effort certainly gets points for trying.

Bottom line, the film looks to be heavy on style and light on substance, though that might yet work in the director's favor, provided the cast comes together in a cohesive and coherent manner.

Heist will see limited release in theaters and on VOD on November 13th, 2015.